©Lucas Favre via Unsplash
The Belgian federal police are searching for two men who, on Friday in Samrée, a suburb of La Roche-en-Ardenne in Belgium, robbed a couple of tourists and then set their camper on fire. The owner suffered severe burns while trying to rescue his dogs from the vehicle.
According to the police report, the incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. at a rest stop. Two men threatened the couple with a knife and demanded money and valuables. One of the suspects then got into the RV and deliberately set it on fire. The vehicle was entirely destroyed by the fire. The fire also caused a massive explosion, resulting in the owner sustaining severe burns.
After the incident, the suspects fled in a dark blue car via the N89 toward Baraque de Fraiture. Meanwhile, Belgian police have released a description of the two men. According to the report, the first suspect, who is believed to have started the fire, is between 25 and 30 years old, 1.75 to 1.80 meters tall, and of slim build. He has a tanned complexion, a thin face, stubble, and was wearing blue jeans, a T-shirt, and a Gucci cap. The second suspect, who threatened the couple with a knife, is between 35 and 40 years old, stocky, and dressed entirely in black. He has short, grayish hair, a beard, and a scar about five centimeters below his right ear.
The investigation is being led by the Luxembourg Public Prosecutor’s Office, Marche-en-Famenne division. The police are urging anyone who has seen the suspects or their vehicle to share information by calling the toll-free number 0800 30 300 or via opsporingen@police.belgium.eu.
The case has sparked widespread outrage, not only because of the violent robbery but also because the victim was seriously injured while trying to save his animals. This detail makes the incident particularly harrowing and lends the investigation added urgency, especially since the suspects are still at large.
©Lucas Favre via Unsplash - Illustrative image.